Design Project Manager - K-12

Hill International, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill International, Inc. in San Diego, CA, seeks a Design Manager to represent the owner's interests throughout a construction project, coordinating with the Project Executive and consultants to ensure timely delivery.

Responsibilities include developing project plans, managing contracts and changes, monitoring costs and schedules, and maintaining thorough documentation. A BS in a related field and 5+ years of owner’s representative experience are required; PMP/ CCM are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field is preferred; equivalent combinations may be substituted.
• 5+ years of project management experience in construction, ideally as owner’s representative.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project planning and controls, coordinating with owner/client and Project Executive.
• Prepare and negotiate contracts and management of change orders.
• Administer contracts, including payments, RFIs, and site documentation.
• Monitor cost, schedule, and risk; report deviations to client and senior management.
• Lead meetings with stakeholders and ensure regulatory and contractual compliance.

Skills

Project management

Contract administration

Cost estimating

Scheduling

MS Office

PMP CCM (advantage)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field

Job description

Overview

Hill International is seeking a Design Manager in San Diego, California. This role will be hired under Gafcon, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hill International. The Project Manager is responsible for representing the owner's interests throughout the lifecycle of a construction project, overseeing project planning, coordinating with various stakeholders, managing contracts, monitoring progress, and ensuring successful delivery. The Project Manager works alongside the Project Executive to lead the project consultants and facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Proficient in Gafcon Project Management Policies and Procedures. Collaborates with the owner/client and Project Executive to develop and implement a comprehensive project plan, including timeline, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Prepares RFPs for professional services and construction contractors, manages proposal phases, and negotiates contracts.
• Manages activities of construction management team, in collaboration with the Project Executive, including contractors, engineers, architects, etc., and daily reports.
• Executes all project deliverables for client prior to final project turnover.
• Oversees the development of project plans and specifications for constructability, operability, maintainability & cost effectiveness, in collaboration with the Project Executive.
• Manages deliverables, project controls, cost, and overall project success through closeout.
• Manages the worksite and equipment access/shutdowns, obtains permits, and develops project support schedules to support onsite activities and minimize interference.
• Tracks project data including documentation and administration and reports on real and potential budget and schedule variances. Ensures documentation is thorough and easily interpreted by client/owner and representatives.
• Working knowledge of the principles of cost estimating, scheduling, and contract administration. Works with the Project Executive to prepare technical analysis and cost estimates for proposed changes.
• Maintains project reports as dictated by the project and by contractual obligations. Regularly monitors project progress and identifies any deviations from the plan.
• Drafts, reviews, negotiates contracts with contractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory and contractual requirements in all project documentation.
• Administers contracts, including change order management, payment processing, and compliance verification, RFI, daily logs and site documentation.
• Resolves contract-related disputes and issues in collaboration with the Project Executive and the client representatives.
• Promotes open and regular communication and fosters positive working relationships between owner/client, architects, engineers, and other project-related entities to ensure projects are completed with minimal disruption and/or delays.
• Works with the Project Executive to coordinate, facilitate and document meetings with stakeholders, including owner/client representatives, design professionals, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Prepares and presents project reports, including progress updates, financial summaries, and risk assessments, to the owner and senior management.
• Completes special projects on an as-needed basis.
• Maintains professional development through Gafcollege attendance, professional organization memberships, continuing education, professional registration, and certification achievement.
• Works proactively and continuously evaluates the organization’s competitive position and identifies innovations or solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in project management within the construction industry, as Project Engineer, Senior Project Engineer (or equivalent) preferably as owner’s representative.
• Working knowledge of construction drawings and specifications to ensure compliance with construction/project requirements.
• Working knowledge and application of master planning, project development, all phase management, construction estimating, construction schedules, budget management, project controls, document control, engineering/construction principles, contracts, and experience with various delivery methods are required.
• Demonstrates discernment and critical thinking skills in assessing situations, information and decision making. Identifies and differentiates between relevant and irrelevant information, focusing on key factors and priorities.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal forms.
• Anticipates and resolves project design and construction challenges or issues, prioritizes the critical issues on projects, and works toward project beneficial solutions.
• Maintains composure and objectivity in high‑pressure or ambiguous situations, making rational decisions based on available information and working knowledge.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management information system(s).
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CCM) are advantageous.

The salary range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000. The offered salary will be based on the applicant’s qualifications, education, experience and work location.